Medical aid in dying is now authorized in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act on February 6, 2026. The law will take effect on August 5, 2026, expanding end-of-life options for terminally ill New Yorkers and affirming their right to make informed, compassionate decisions at the end of life.
This landmark achievement is the result of more than a decade of advocacy led by Compassion & Choices, alongside allied organizations and hundreds of New Yorkers who shared their stories, raised their voices, and urged lawmakers to act. Together, they helped build the understanding and momentum necessary to pass this long-awaited legislation.
Compassion & Choices extends deep gratitude to Governor Hochul for signing the bill into law, and to the legislative champions who made this moment possible: Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who carried the bill from its original introduction in 2015 through enactment; Senator Diane Savino, who advanced the legislation during key years; Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who shepherded it through passage in both chambers; and Senator Gustavo Rivera, who sponsored the bill at the finish line.
Additional information about implementation, guidance, and access will be posted as it becomes available. Please check back on this page for updates, and visit our events page for information about upcoming educational and community events.
Send a note of gratitude of your own to your elected officials, Assemblymember Paulin, Senator Hoylman-Sigal, and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Esperamos que la Gobernadora Hochul firme la legislación que convierte a Nueva York en el Doceavo estado de Estados Unidos que autoriza ayuda médica para morir
We look forward to Governor Hochul signing the legislation to make New York the 12th state in the US to authorize medical aid in dying.
An excerpt from Corinne Carey, senior campaign director for Compassion & Choices in New York and New Jersey, whose Op-Ed was featured in The Buffalo News
“Senadores, por favor, escuchen a los neoyorquinos que están muriendo y denles el poder para que tomen sus propias decisiones de fin de vida”.
“Senators, please listen to dying New Yorkers and give them the power to make their own end-of-life decisions.”
Special Thanks to Speaker Heastie & Assemblymember Paulin For Their Extraordinary Leadership Leading to Historic Vote
Agradecimiento Especial al Presidente de la Cámara de Representantes Heastie y la Asambleísta Paulin por su Extraordinario Liderazgo que Condujo a una Votación Histórica
“Para Brittany (Maynard), el saber que la ayuda médica para morir estaba disponible, le permitió tener un poco de control de la terrible enfermedad” Más de 85 legisladores se Unen a la Asambleísta Paulin, Senador Hoylman-Sigal, Patrocinadores de Medida de Ayuda Médica para Morir Corinne Carey, directora de campaña de Compassion & Choices Nueva…
In 2025, Delaware and New York are poised to reignite debates over medical aid-in-dying legislation, reflecting a nationwide shift toward end-of-life autonomy.
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